Farm School Educator

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Farm School Educator at Upland Unified School District

Location: Upland, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 7:30am - 4pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

Upland USD’s Farm to School team collaborates with schools, community organizations, and District leadership. Fellows receive comprehensive training, hands-on experience in sustainability, and interdisciplinary insights in a supportive environment. With a shared office space for collaboration, Fellows will gain valuable skills and connections for future careers. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,600 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term*
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance* (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

Within Upland Unified School District’s Nutrition Services, Climate Action Fellows will play a pivotal role in bolstering cafeteria sustainability and advancing the Farm to School program. Through targeted education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives, Fellows will enhance SB 1383 compliance efforts, fostering food recovery and waste reduction within the district and wider Upland community. Fellows will conduct research and implement sustainability initiatives in kitchens and cafeterias to not only minimize waste, but also promote student health and wellness by reducing single-use plastics and harmful chemicals. With a focus on maintaining garden sites and leading after-school garden clubs, Fellows will expand the reach of the Farm to School program, aiming to educate and engage more students and community members in gardening, sustainability, and climate change awareness. Through collaboration, promoting sustainable practices, and sharing climate knowledge, Fellows will make a meaningful impact on the Upland USD school community and beyond. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Spearhead SB 1383 compliance efforts at school sites and district buildings
• Maintain school garden spaces to bolster the Farm to School program and ensure vibrant and sustainable learning environments
• Design and implement composting initiatives to minimize waste while nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards
• Develop curriculum to educate school clubs about topics, such as gardening, sustainability, and climate awareness
• Coordinate community education and events to promote climate action engagement, sustainability initiatives, and awareness
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Marketing or Social Media, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Upland Unified School District

Upland Unified School District's Farm to School Program serves to provide students with the opportunity to participate in garden and environmental education, after school enrichment opportunities, and community building activities. Fellows placed with Upland Unified School District will participate in school garden maintenance, leading school garden clubs, leading the effort of SB 1383 compliance and leading community events. More info: upland.k12.ca.us

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).